The Sample: NEW Hourglass Best of Hourglass Set Review, Swatches & Giveaway
15 Jan
««Press Sample»»
I know there have been some of you that have expressed interest recently in trying some products from Hourglass. Well I know of 2 great ways, and one of them is this Best of Hourglass set. This 4-piece collection features the cream-of-the-crop picks from the Hourglass range, covering everything from lips to lashes to skin. It includes: a full-sized Veil Mineral Primer (the smaller 0.33 oz. size), a deluxe sample-sized N°28 Primer Serum (0.16 oz.), a full-sized Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara in Onyx (0.35 oz.), and a full-sized Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Ignite (0.24 oz.). I think they’re all great products and really give you an idea of the type of quality products that you can expect from this brand.
First off: Veil Mineral Primer. I know this is a “HG” primer for many of you so I have always wanted to get my hands on this bad boy–not least of all because I have terribly oily skin and could really use a new primer.The product has a light, lotion-y consistency. If doesn’t feel too slick or silicone-y, which I really like. It smoothed out my face, filled in my pores nicely, and kept my skin matte for a little over 2 hours, which is definitely not bad (I’d usually have to blot after an hour). It also doesn’t break me out and has natural SPF thanks to the titanium dioxide and iron oxide content. It does leave a very slight cast to the skin but nothing more than your average sunscreen and with a little powder or base, you’ll be good to go.
Click image to enlarge
On to the new(ish) N°28 Primer Serum. It’s packaged in a little mini glass-tube with a top that has a paddle/spatula-esque attachment. The product itself is a pinkish-clear color and has the consistency of a syrupy oil. The primer contains a mix of 14 essential oils and 10 lipid-rich plant oils. It does have a scent to it and I think it’s one of those that people will either love or hate. The scent is quite nice and herbal-y, in my opinion. You do get a bit of rosemary, lavender, and eucalyptus in there; the clove also stands out to me. It does dissipate within a minute.
For being on the thicker side, this primer absorbs quite quickly! It feels incredibly silky and glides across the skin. Once it’s been absorbed, your skin is left feeling like velvet–there’s really no other way to describe it. It’s also surprisingly ungreasy–as a matter of fact, once it’s been completely absorbed, there’s no residue of any kind left on the skin. It just feels soft and hydrated. My makeup (I tested it with both liquid and powder) goes on smoothly and blends beautifully. This primer actually kept my skin shine-free for longer than the Veil Mineral Primer–something that I was not expecting! Remember people, I have very oily skin! I didn’t have to blot for over 3 hours, which is unheard of for me! This primer is a dream come true and I will definitely be repurchasing a full-size!
The Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara is a long, slender tube in the typical gunmetal-bronze hue that Hourglass favors. The wand is fittingly hourglass-shaped; it may be hard to tell in the photo below, but the middle of the wand does slope inward. The bristles are nylon, I believe, but are on the short side (just the way I like them) and are spaced quite closely together. They are incredibly effective at grabbing every. single. dinky little hair. It even makes my bottom lashes look good, and I have never used a mascara that could make those puny little things look half-decent.
This mascara gives me perfectly coated, darkened, separated, and beefed up lashes. Another thing I like is that the wand is never goopy and covered in globs of product–every single time I pull out the wand, it’s coated in just the right amount of product. The formula is fabulous too! It’s perfect–not too wet or dry and on the thicker side. It doesn’t leave my lashes feeling crispy and holds a curl perfectly. This stuff is amazing and, as much as I hate to admit it, worth every penny (sorry CoverGirl Lash Blast–you may have just been replaced!).
Lastly, we have the Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Ignite. Ignite is described as a “rose beige shimmer”–it’s a gorgeous caramely-pink shade with gold shimmer and even has a light, sweet caramel-y scent to it. It’s one of those shades that doesn’t add much color but just makes your lips look better–as in prettier, fuller, shinier, and happier. The touch of pink in it really does make a huge difference–it makes my lips look like they’re just really that pink and pretty! Ignite has the perfect, medium consistency that has enough stick to it to help it stay put for 4 hours without breaking a sweat but not enough stick to where you’re relegated to nose-breathing really loudly because you can’t pry your lips apart. 
Click image to enlarge
If you’ve been dying to try some basic pieces from Hourglass’ line, I highly recommend you start with this set. It’s a great set for the value and contains really amazing, high-quality products that you will love!
»»Pricing: $59/4 pieces (Veil Mineral Primer=0.33 fl. oz. [10 ml.], Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara=0.35 oz. [10 g.], Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss=0.24 oz. [7 g.], N°28 Primer Serum=0.16 fl. oz. [5 ml.])
»»Availability: Zuneta.com (though marked up to $94.82), and Hourglasscosmetics.com *Sephora sold out before I could post this review–apologies!
»»Recommended for: anyone who’s been curious about trying Hourglass
»»Overall Rating: A
…oh, so you wanted to know the other great way to try some Hourglass products for yourself? Well, I just happen to know of someone who may or may not be hosting a new Hourglass giveaway. 
Ok ok, I’ll stop For the latest (and second to last) giveaway in my 1-year blogaversary celebration, one lucky reader will receive: one Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer + N°28 Primer Serum Duo (0.33 oz. and 0.16 oz. respectively, which are the same sizes as the ones reviewed above), and two Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipsticks–one in Canvas and one in Rose. I have previously reviewed these shades here, which is why I chose them for this giveaway. I think they will flatter a variety of skintones and are very wearable shades–they’ll be perfect for spring or anytime of the year!
The total value of the 3 items in this giveaway is $80.00.
To enter, please leave a comment below about anything at all. What spring beauty collections have caught your eye so far? Do you use a face primer everyday and if so, what is your favorite? Is there a beauty brand that you have not yet tried but are dying to? Please make sure to fill in the email field in the comment box so I know how to get a hold of you!
To earn extra entries, you can follow my blog via email, Bloglovin, or HelloCotton. Each counts for 1 entry and you can do all 3 if you like! To make it easier for me, please let me know in your comment how you follow me.
For another entry, follow me on twitter (@TheBeautySample)
For another entry, “Like” my Facebook page (here)
For yet another entry, you can tweet about this giveaway. The only guidelines are: you must include my twitter handle (@TheBeautySample) and you must link back to this post (you can use www.tinyurl.com to help shorten the link if you need to).
The contest starts today, January 15th, and ends next Tuesday, January 22th at 11:59 PM PST. The following day, I will use a random number generator to randomly select a winner. I will email/DM via Twitter the winner and they will have 48-hours to respond, after which time I will be forced to choose a new winner. You must be at least 18 years of age to enter. This giveaway is open worldwide! There is no purchase necessary. Each eligible participant can enter a total of 7 times, but 7 entries are not required.
Disclaimer: the product(s) featured in this post were provided to The Beauty Sample free of charge by the manufacturer/PR for review purposes only. Regardless of how the product was obtained, my priority is to you, my readers, and I will always give you my honest opinion.
I hesitated to say it before but I do think that the No. 28 is strangely more mattifying than the Veil Mineral, which is such a miracle considering how it plumps up and hydrates at the same time! I’m so glad that you experienced similar results. I’ve seen reviews that talk about how this isn’t for the oily skin types, but PFFFFFFT. Works amazingly well for us!
I’m entering this because Hourglass is awesome, and you and your blog are awesome!
Following you on everything except Hello Cotton and FB because I don’t use those!
I know I had been so hesitant to try out the No.28 serum because EVERY single review I’d read warned against those with oily skin, but then I read your review and thought that just maybe it would work for me too. Well I am IMPRESSED. It really is strange that it works better for us than the Veil Mineral Primer–I totally though that one would be my new “HG” since so many people rave about it. Sad that it’s so pricey (I’ve never paid that much for a primer before!) but I suppose it really is worth it!
And THANK YOU my sweet, darling wifey!
The serum 28 is the only primer I have ever loved…nothing wrong with other primers, it’s just I hated added that extra siliconey layer to my skin when I am already using so many other products underneath and above.
I know what you mean! I do like a little bit of silicone because I have such large pores, I definitely need some help smoothing them over. But too much slip just feels really icky to me :/ I’m glad to hear that the No.28 serum works for you too. I know you have oily skin–so do I and so does Liz (from Beauty-Reductionista) and it works for both of us as well. I hope other girls with oily skin read this and will try it even though they are unsure/scared
Fabulous giveaway Becca! I’m testing out the primer and so far so good. The only issue I’m having with it is it can create a white cast. Still figuring out how to solve it. But my foundation stays put, and better yet it’s not oxidized. Yay!
Followed you via blog loving, twitter, facebook and retweeted your post xx
Aw thanks Joanne! And yeah there is definitely a cast to it–I find that a powder or foundation/base over it solves any issues though. Are you still having trouble even after applying foundation??
Oooh i would love to try the glosses. I want to dabble in higher-end brands, and this fits the bill
The gloss is SO smooth and nice, Lilly–you will love it! Hourglass is a really, really great brand. Everything I’ve tried from them is instant love
Thanks for reading!
I love the Hourglass mascara too, it is amazing! And, I have the set with the two primers, but I am just not a regular primer user, so I keep forgetting to use them.
You know, I actually don’t use primers that often either but I have been looking for a good one. I think if it actually works, I will remember to use it! This No.28 serum has been really nice so far! I’m still a little worried at how it will work for me during the warmer months but for now, it’s great!
Hey Becca! Thanks for all the reviews! I was going to get this at Sephora but I don’t use a primer so I didn’t feel like it was worth it. I splurged on getting the Too Faced Boudoir eyeshadow palette. It seems good so far but not as buttery and soft as Bare Minerals pressed eyeshadows. Have you tried BE eyeshadows? I don’t recall seeing reviews for them.
Please enter me for this giveaway. Thank you for this great chance!
You know, I actually haven’t tried too much from Too Faced. I hear it’s good so I’m not sure why I haven’t yet. I have tried the BE pressed shadows though–I have a review for The Scenic Route duo here if you’re interested: http://mybeautysample.com/2012/07/3841/
I REALLY liked the formula a lot and definitely plan to add to my collection soon! Which ones have you tried and liked, Jarucha??
The green in Scenic Route is very pretty but I am not really blown away by the other color. I own the 4.0 Happy Place — so lovely and soft like everyone says.
I agree–I wish the white/gold shade in The Scenic Route were less white and more gold because when it shines in the light, it’s SO pretty! I’ve been wanting Happy Place for a long time but haven’t gotten around to it. I really must do that sometime soon. I also want The Enlightenment duo too! So pretty!
I have only tried Hourglass foundation before and I love it. This will be a great set to try out other products from the brand.
Oooh which foundation do you have, Angela? I’ve been very curious about the oil-free Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation for a while but haven’t gotten around to trying it yet. I’ve loved everything else from the brand so I am excited to finally try a base product!
Obviously Chanel and Burberry Spring 2013 have caught my eye
Oh, and I follow you through google reader and twitter 
Oooh yeah! Still can’t wait to hear how your appt at the counter goes!!
That mascara is one of my favorites EVER! I got a sample tube from Zuneta as GWP, and I’ve been using it nonstop! It gives me fluttery and well-separated lashes! I do think the wand looks different from the full-size one though. Maybe I should get a full-size one just to compare haha
Yes you definitely need to, Sunny! I find that the wand/bristles are REALLY good at grabbing small, sparse lashes and like you said, separating them and giving the appearance of flirty lashes. LOVE this stuff!! Oh but how I wish I didn’t–definitely pricier than my usual CoverGirl and that’s just another added expense
I really like sets, no matter if it is skincare or makeup, you also can safe a lot of money. Hourglass is underrated in so many ways. Maybe not in the blogosphere but in real life it seems. The eyeshadows are fantastic for example and as for me, I really like the packaging. I didn’t had good luck with their foundations though, they are a) too dark for me and b) I broke out. I am desperate to try the 28 primer though, it sounds magical
You know, I think you’re right. The blogging community seems to have a great appreciation for the brand but when I talk to friends and family, no ones either heard of them or have tried anything from the brand. It’s a shame because Hourglass is really an amazing brand–one of my favorites!
I have only tried the liquid lipsticks from Hourglass and I love them, It’d be awesome to try other products. Thanks for an awesome giveaway Becca.
Oh really–what shades have you tried, Agata? I really want to try their waterproof bronzer and a base next!
I don’t remember the names, but my favorite one was peachy-coral color, maybe Muse? I really liked it and the wear time was excellent too!
Ooh that one sounds nice! I really have to check out more shades. To be honest, I prefer Guerlain’s formula because it doesn’t crack/flake off and is easier to create a stain with (which is how I like to wear my lipstick) but Hourglass has such pretty shades, it’s hard to resist!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
I’ve been curious about the Veil Mineral Primer for quite some time, since it’s getting so many good reviews. Most mattifying primers I’ve tried just aren’t doing the trick for me or break me out. Your review is giving me hope that this one could work.
I’m following your blog via bloglovin’.
Do you have oily skin, May? I think even the No.28 primer might work for you as it did for me and a couple other people I know with oily skin! The Veil Mineral Primer is nice too–it really smoothed out my imperfections but it didn’t keep me as matte as the No.28 primer!
This is kind of amazing, Becca. I think Hourglass is one of the brands I want to try more from!
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Thanks Larie!
What have you tried from Hourglass? It’s such an amazing brand!
You know.. I was actually thinking of getting some of their products haha.. The eyeshadow and the high shine lip gloss!! Hourglass products looks so nicee!!
I want to try the products
) I am following you in facebook and twitter 
I LOVE their eyeshadows–and I think you will too, Meryl! You really must get one of the asap! as for the gloss, I really do like it. It’s a little thicker/tackier than I’m used to but it still manages to remain unsticky and comfortable!
I have definitely been wanting to try this set. I’ve never tried Hourglass and have very much wanted to. Thank you for the giveaway!
Ooooh you MUST try their eyeshadow duos, Taylor! You will fall in LOVE!
AHH thank you for another amazing giveaway, Becca!! I’ve been wanting to try the hourglass liquid lipsticks forever. I follow on hellocotton, bloglovin, & email x
Aw of course–thank YOU for reading and entering, dear Catherine!
Greetings from Malaysia!!
Well, honestly I’ve not heard of this brand Hour Glass…It’ll be awesome if I could lay my hands on them one day, I’m not sure if they sold it here anywhere…Hrrmmm…
Yes, I do prime my face everyday..I’m using the Revlon Photoready perfecting primer. This is my second bottle, so I’ve not tried any other brand yet…But I will definitely try out the one from Benefit or Two faced primer…
I followed you by email, Bloglovin, twitter, and FB…
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Aw that’s too bad it isn’t available there :/ If you ever do get a chance, I highly recommend the eyeshadow duos. I have reviews for Suede and Dune on my blog if you’re curious. They’re AMAZING!
Thanks for reading and following, Tericia!
I use primer, but not everyday. And I actually use the Hourglass Mineral Veil when I do (which I really like but save for special occasions or super long work days). I too have very oily skin so it’s not a miracle product, but it helps.
I follow you on twitter as @smallthingslife and on Bloglovin’
I’ve also tweeted your giveaway here: https://twitter.com/smallthingslife/status/291754493803126784
and my email is smalllittlethingsblog (at) gmail (dot) com
Thanks for this awesome giveaway!
I definitely agree with you. I like the Veil Mineral primer because of the SPF, it smooths out my large pores, and it creates a nice smooth, matte canvas for makeup application but unfortunately, it doesn’t keep me matte for very long. Still, I can see why so many people like it and I imagine it’s absolutely perfect for those w/combo skin!
Thanks for following, Annick!
I must say, Hourglass has very nice packaging. I haven’t tried any Hourglass products and it’s probably one of the brands I would like to try. I actually don’t use foundation primer much – my sunscreens kind of act as my base.
Thanks for hosting this generous giveaway!
I don’t use it much either–I only use it at night if I’m going out. During the day, I don’t like to layer on a serum then sunscreen THEN primer then foundation…that’d just be waaay too much for me!!
You know, I want to love Hourglass, but I haven’t had much luck so far. Maybe I just picked up the wrong products for me.I have tried and do love the mascara though – it is just amazing! Also, I wish this brand was more friendly to those of us who have more melanin. It does seem like an extremely classy brand though.
What else have you tried, Shivani? That’s too bad it didn’t work for you–the mascara IS really amazing though. I’m so surprised that it’s so water-resistant too! I can wash my face and my mascara will still be perfectly intact until I take a cotton pad to it! Amazing!
Ah, hourglass is definitely one of my favorite brands! I’ve tried so many different primers and the only one that seems to both work and not irritate my skin is the mineral veil primer from them!
Thanks for hosting such a lovely giveaway
Have you tried any of their shadows, Libby? If not, you definitely need to–they’re AWESOME!!
Thanks for stopping by!!
Thank you for hosting such a lovely giveaway! I am dying to try the Veil Mineral Primer. I followed you on Twitter and Facebook.
Thanks hon!! And I think you would really like this primer. It worked pretty well for my very oily skin but for your skin type, I think it would be perfect
Well, you KNOW how I feel about this set, Becca!!! I love every piece and am currently feverishly trying to use up my other primers so I can justify spending the big bucks on the No. 28!! It’s just so damn good!!!
I haven’t tried any of the new Rouge lipsticks, and I can ALWAYS use more Hourglass in my life, so sign me up! I follow you on Twitter and now Facebook!
And I’m off to re-tweet this fabulous giveaway right now, thanks Becca!!
Haha I think EVERYONE could use more Hourglass in their life
Thanks Toya!! 
I never tried Hourglass before so after your delicious reviews I’m curious about them as well as NYX and Etude House !
thank You!
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Aw thanks! I’ve never tried Etude House (though I’ve heard a LOT of good things) and have only tried 1 or 2 things from NYX but really would love to try their blushes and shadows! Ahhh so much to buy, so little time (and money
) haha
I would love for a chance to win this set. Thank you! I follow you on email!
Thank you for reading and following Amine!
Hi Becca! This is a nice set and I have been wanting that primer serum for a long time but its so expensive so I would love to win it! Thank you! I follow through email
I know–it IS a bit pricey but honestly, I think it’s worth it. It works really well for my oily skin and I imagine would be even 10 times better on normal or combo skin, so it’s really an amazing primer!!
I haven’t tried anything from Hourglass before. I’m especially interested in the primers. Read so much about them! And surprisingly, No. 28 is more mattifying than the Veil. I nearly bought the set above, but it’s overpriced on Zuneta for sure. I’ll just have to wait for my no buy to end
Yeah I was surprised to see how much it cost on Zuneta. Mark-ups are always a bummer :/ I do recommend you try at least the primer duo though–it’s fairly cheap. And I wouldn’t say the the No.28 serum is more mattifying, necessarily, but it keeps my shine-free for longer, if that makes sense. The Veil Mineral Primer instantly mattifies but after about 2 hours, my shine has broken though and then I am reguarly blotting almost every hour after that :/ I am VERY oily though haha
I’m looking forward to Stila’s 2013 spring collection. In particular the Stila after glow lip colour. I can’t wait to swatch them.
Thank you for the opportunity to win this set. Hourglass is a makeup brand I’ve been wanting to explore. I’ve been dying to try their Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick.
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Ooh now I have to google Stila’s spring collection–I haven’t seen anything from it yet!
Thanks for reading and following, Christina!
Forget to mention I follow you on facebook too – Christina Dragan
Thanks Christina!
Oh I’d love to try the Sephora pantone collection. I’ve heard such great things about their lipsticks. Really looking forward to this year’s emerald color in an eyeshadow.
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Hope you are having a fantastic day
Me too, Steph! I love wearing green on my eyes but dont have much emerald so I am very eager to start shopping for more of it
Thank you so much for having this, I’ve been wanting to try Hourglass products but it isn’t sold in HK!
As I’m on a shopping ban, nothing much from Spring collections have caught my eye yet. But the Asia-exclusive Guerlain blush sakura (which looks like the blush G from a few years ago) might be interesting to pick up
we’ll see!
My favourite primer – I’ve yet to find one. I’d been relying on the Orbis Tinted sunscreen but it had repackaged and reformulated last year and didn’t work as well as it used to be! would love to find a new primer which works
So far, Hourglass, Tom Ford are the brands that I’m dying to try but haven’t got the chance to!
<3 also following you on Twitter as @jennlovesbeauty
Tom Ford is one I haven’t tried yet either. There are also a few japanese brands that I have been dying to try for a long time, but they are hard to get here and if you can, they are marked up like crazy :/
Thanks for reading and following, Jennifer!
Thanks for the giveaway! I am slow to the Hourglass bandwagon as I am trying to use up my gazillion other makeup products, but I hear great things about their products. I am trying out their new brow pencil and so far I like it! I like that it’s a harder pencil and the color is great. I have several different primers and I use them according to what I need for the day (smoothing pores, lines, radiance, etc.). I would like to try the Hourglass primer!
I use their brow pencil too and I LOVE it so much. It is quite honestly the only brow pencil that I’ve ever used and loved. It’s got the perfect hard, slightly waxy texture and the color is the most perfect ashy shade! So glad to meet another fan of it!
I really, really enjoy the new too faced spring collection. The blush – I want. The new la creme lipsticks – I really want. The no makeup makeup face palette – I want. I LOVE spring collections, as I find these suit my face the best!!
Ps – I follow you via blogloving – 91st follower, and I follow you via twitter @melzzzzzzzzz
To be honest, I haven’t tried much from Too Faced. I know I’ve tried at least ONE thing but for the life of me, I can’t remember what. I have been curious about the La Creme lipsticks for a while though so maybe I’ll do that soon! I do love spring collections though. I love summer more but spring is a close second!
Thanks for reading and following, Melanie!
I’m really dying to try Philosophy The Present Clear Makeup, it’s in my #1 wishlist.
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Oh! And this Hourglass set is catching my eye! Totally going to need this! Thank you
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Now that I think about it, I don’t think I’ve tried anything from Philosophy…no wait, I’ve tried that popular cleanser they have. But no cosmetics. I am curious now…any recommendations?
Thanks for reading and following!
I watch a video my fave guru on youtube, he said you should try Philosophythe present – their primer is really great!
Ooh I will do that this weekend at the counter. Thanks Rivernik!!
I would be super exited if I won this giveaway..! <3 ^_^
Good luck, Sara!